By Stephanie Stevens
It was well and truly done and dusted.
Brett Holt, Columbia Valley Rockies club president, said last weekend’s Bull Riding in the Rockies event was sold out (2,400 tickets) even before the Friday, July 19 event began.
The evening started early with opening music by Tryg Strand, and Indigenous?dancing by the young Columbia Headwaters Dancers (closely watched over by smiling elders). After the bull riding, people danced under the stars with The Cole Malone Band.
“The new bull riding committee that stepped up in early May after the unexpected departure of previous members have delivered the best ever ‘greatest outdoor show’ in the Columbia Valley,” said Holt. “We have been receiving so many compliments for the changes the new leadership implemented and most especially the outside tents for the dance. We are also thrilled to announce the 25th anniversary of the Bull Riding in the Rockies fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team will be held in the same location next year through the generous support of Nina Reilly and Philip Sommerville.”
Holt said he, the committee members and coaching staff Taylor Sincennes, Tanner Wit and Tucker Braund (who put in countless hours and significant sweat equity into the event) cannot thank the volunteers and event attendees?enough. They are tremendously gratified by the support shown by the community members and visitors.
Winners
Ranch broncs: First – Hannah Leipert, Kindersley, SK, second: Quinton Meier, Rainer, AB.
Bull riding: Tanner Henderson (riding Pipeline Trash) and Gilmar Santana (riding Just Dabbin’ It) tied for first place.
Armando Davilaon (riding Nose Candy) finished third.
With nerves of steel, William Vanderleest won the wild Mexican bull poker event.
